Arecor Therapeutics PLC (AIM:AREC) CEO Sarah Howell joined Proactive to discuss progress across the company’s diabetes and oral peptide programmes, highlighting its lead insulin candidate AT278 and growing work in GLP-1 therapies. She said AT278 has shown clear differentiation as an ultra-rapid insulin designed for automated delivery systems, with a Phase 2 trial targeted for 2026.
Howell also touched on advancing partnership discussions, recent financing, and the development of Arecor’s oral peptide platform, where the focus is now on improving bioavailability ahead of further data readouts next year.
Proactive: I'm joined by Sarah Howell, the CEO of Arecor Therapeutics PLC. Sarah very good to speak with you this morning. Can you remind us what Arecor Therapeutics does?
Sarah Howell: We’re a clinical-stage biotech company developing superior therapeutics to reduce treatment burden and improve outcomes for people living with diabetes, obesity and other cardiometabolic diseases. Our focus is in diabetes and oral delivery of peptides, addressing significant unmet needs in large, multi-billion-dollar markets.
Proactive: How would you sum up the past year?
Sarah Howell: It’s been a very significant year. Our lead programme AT278 and our oral peptide programme AT783 have both met key milestones. We entered a co-development partnership with Sequel Med Tech to support a Phase 2 study, and we had a positive Type C meeting with the FDA. We also secured $11 million through a royalty financing agreement with Ligand Pharmaceuticals, strengthening our balance sheet.
Proactive: Starting with AT278, how is this progressing?
Sarah Howell: AT278 is designed for patients requiring intensive insulin therapy. In the US, around 4 million patients fall into this category, with at least 2 million having unmet needs. AT278 is the only insulin clinically shown to be ultra-concentrated and ultra-rapid acting, and we’ve demonstrated superiority versus best-in-class insulins. We’re preparing to enter Phase 2 trials in H2 2026.
Proactive: How are discussions progressing with Sequel Med Tech?
Sarah Howell: Both companies have committed funding to prepare for Phase 2. Discussions are at an advanced stage to expand the partnership beyond Phase 2 and into commercialisation. Our goal is to secure the best deal to bring AT278 to market efficiently.
Proactive: How will Phase 2 be funded?
Sarah Howell: We expect trial costs to be under $15 million. Our intention is to share costs through a co-development partnership with an insulin device company.
Proactive: What are the next milestones for the GLP-1 programme?
Sarah Howell: We’ve stabilised the GLP-1 peptide and filed IP. The next step is improving bioavailability and generating pharmacokinetic data through 2026, which will inform future development.
Proactive: Why focus on GLP-1 given strong competition?
Sarah Howell: GLP-1 provides a reference point with existing oral therapies like Rybelsus, despite low bioavailability. Success here would validate our platform and allow expansion into other peptides, creating significant partnering opportunities.
Proactive: What does H2 2026 look like for Arecor?
Sarah Howell: Our priority is finalising the Phase 2 partnership for AT278 and progressing into clinical trials. In parallel, we’ll advance our oral peptide platform by generating key data. Both represent major commercial opportunities.
Proactive: Thank you for your time.